Hide My Email Archives

Reader question: Is it safe to hit the ‘unsubscribe’ button on spam?

I got an email from a reader asking if hitting the “unsubscribe” button in her inbox is smart. Like many things in tech, it depends. In some cases, reacting to spammers might make your email a hot commodity, leading to more unwanted emails or even a spot on a “for sale” list.

Here’s the lowdown on how to stop getting emails you don’t want — without opening yourself up to more junk.

It could go one of two ways

With reputable companies, clicking unsubscribe should do the trick. If you’re receiving newsletters or promotional emails from brands you know, they generally follow email marketing regulations.

For unsolicited spam from unknown senders? Clicking unsubscribe may indeed make things worse. You inadvertently confirm that your email address is active … possibly leading to even more spam.

‘How do I know what to pick, Kim?’

Stick to familiar ground: If the email is from a trusted source (think brands you’ve shopped with or newsletters you’ve signed up for), go ahead and hit that unsubscribe button.

Dodge the unknown: If it’s a random email about a long-lost prince or a miracle cure, steer clear of the unsubscribe link. Mark the email as spam in your email client.

For Outlook:

Select the messages you want to report as junk.
From the top toolbar, select Report > Report Junk.

For Apple Mail:

On your iPhone or iPad, swipe left on the message, tap More, then Move to Junk.

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Protect your privacy, your cell phone number and email address

Phone scams are never-ending because they work. Scam texts are increasing, too. Here are five sure signs a text is junk you need to delete.

While we’re talking scams, I’d be remiss not to mention your inbox. Tap or click for convincing spam that landed in my email with not-so-obvious red flags.

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Get instant disposable email addresses

Apple and Google let you create “burner emails” to save your inbox from spam. I choose this over giving out my real email address when I’m trying to score a coupon code or a site I’m just browsing requires contact info.

Got an Apple device? The Hide My Email feature lets you generate random email addresses when you fill out an online form or sign up for a website.

It pops up when you fill out online forms or sign up for a website.
Emails sent to the generated address go to your iCloud account.

Using Gmail? To create an alias in Gmail, add a + (plus sign) after your address, followed by the name of the site, like first.last+target@gmail.com. If you start getting spam, delete that email address. That’s it!

🗺️ Just got an email from Google detailing how they’ve devised a way to read maps backward. Turns out it was spam.

Hiding your email address is smart if you care about privacy

Inbox clutter is a significant problem for everyone, but it’s not our fault. It’s those companies that keep signing us up for newsletters we don’t want (though the Komando newsletter is well worth it!). Rather than just unsubscribing to all those inbox intruders, why not hide your email address so they never find it in the first place?

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Tired of all the junk in your inbox? Create a burner email address

Though texting someone is more convenient than opening your email app and composing a message, email carries a formality. It’s still the king of professional correspondence, especially in an office setting.

Do you CC or BCC? Knowing the difference and the proper time to use each is important. Tap or click here for a rundown on these email tools and avoid committing a digital faux pas.

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7 important iPhone security settings to change right now

The iPhone is Apple’s most popular product, and the Cupertino company does everything it can to keep up with the latest tech developments while adding its own. You may have had an iPhone for years and not know everything it’s capable of. Tap or click here for seven hidden iPhone features you may not know.

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Take this important security step to protect your Apple account now

When you sign into a device with your Apple ID, it becomes associated with your account. This is convenient if you use that device every day, but you should be careful about older gadgets or ones you’re getting rid of. Here’s how to remove devices from your Apple ID account.

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Start 2023 right: How to give your inbox a fresh makeover

We’re at the threshold of the new year, and it’s not too early to get a head start on getting your home in order. We’re not talking about scrubbing your floors and dusting the blinds. Tap or click here for seven tools to get your digital life in shape.

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How to use the new 'Hide My Email' feature on your iPhone

Your personal information is under constant threat from cybercriminals and scammers and should be protected as much as possible. But sometimes, we must complete online forms, sign up for services with an email address or email a stranger. Tap or click here to remove personal info from this scary site.

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5 freebies from Apple anyone can get

Apple’s new line of iPhones is releasing this week, along with updated iPads and a new Apple Watch later this fall. The release is preceded by the launch of updated operating systems across the line: iOS 15, iPadOS 15 and watchOS 8.

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